13 Best Red Hair Color Ideas

Hair Color Ideas

Flip through your favorite fashion magazines, scroll through your social media feeds, and take a look around everyday life—you’re bound to notice plenty of ladies who are rocking red hair. With fiery hues popping up on so many manes these days, it’s only natural that you’d want to get in on the head-turning, hair color trend yourself. But before even thinking about the process of going red, you’ve got to choose your ideal shade—and with so many red hair colors in existence, there’s certainly a lot to consider. To help you narrow down your choices, we’re sharing 13 gorgeous red hair color ideas, the skin tones they flatter the most, and how to care for red hair color if you have it. Get ready for your most siren-approved look yet!

13 PRETTY RED HAIR COLOR IDEAS

When it comes to getting a red hair color, there are two ways you can look at it. You can either opt for a shade of red that is close to your natural hair hue, or you can choose one that’s a little more dramatic. It’s up to you! If you want to make a subtler change to your hair, then consider these guidelines: Stick to strawberry blonde if you have blonde hair, copper if you have light brown hair, or deep auburn if you have dark brown or black hair. That being said, if you’d like to make a more drastic hair color change, we’ve got you covered with 13 red hair color ideas below. Keep in mind that dramatic changes can often require quite a bit of work, and if you’re going lighter, you’ll need to bleach your hair. It may even take multiple sessions to achieve your desired red hair color. If you’re making a drastic change, it’s always a good idea to visit a professional colorist who can guide you through the process. Of course, in many situations, you can DIY your red color.

Red Hair Color Idea #2: Apricot

In between peach and strawberry blonde, apricot hair is best described as the pastel version of some of the season’s hottest red hair color trends. And with its darker roots and ever-so-slightly lighter ends, this hair color sums up everything we love in the modern hair world: red with a hint of pastel, mastered through ombré.

Consider apricot hair...if you have medium skin.

Red Hair Color Idea #3: Auburn

If you love the look of brunette hair but want to add a touch of fire to your locks, auburn could be the perfect color choice for you. The deep red color combines with warm brown for a warm appeal.

Red Hair Color Idea #4: Golden Copper

Similar to strawberry blonde, golden copper hair is a great choice for those who want red hair without going fully red. The just-red-enough color is characterized by a series of warm golden highlights woven through pale red hair.

Red Hair Color Idea #5: Burgundy

If vibrant, rich hair colors are your favorites, this dramatic shade could be right up your alley. Just think of it as a mix between brunette and burgundy, making it a great transitional hair color suited for all seasons. (Find out how to get a burgundy brown hair color here.)

Red Hair Color Idea #6: Cinnamon

Spice things up with one of the most popular red hair colors of the moment. Unlike other red hair colors that have one distinct look, cinnamon hair is known for its warm brown base paired with red undertones that can be tailored to your exact skin tone—meaning this is a pick that works well on just about everyone. P.S.: If you have green eyes, this specific color will be even more of a knockout on you.

Consider cinnamon hair...regardless of your skin tone.

Red Hair Color Idea #7: Black Cherry

Red Hair Color Idea #8: Copper

This classic, must-have hue has been turning heads for decades with no sign of slowing down. Known for its bright, energized appearance and a few balayage babylights, which create realistic dimension, you simply can’t go wrong with this natural-looking hair color.

Red Hair Color Idea #9: Rose Gold

What started as a trendy accessory shade quickly turned into one of the most popular red hair colors of the moment. The pastel coppery pink shade can be tailored for your desired intensity, making it the perfect choice for those who want a one-of-a-kind look. (Read our guide to going rose gold when you’re a brunette.)

Red Hair Color Idea #10: Aubergine Red

If you love red wine, eggplant, and anything else that’s dramatically dark and delicious, then you may just fall in love this rich hair color. Keep in mind that it’ll be most flattering when paired with cool skin tones.

Consider aubergine red hair...if you have fair skin.

Red Hair Color Idea #11: Ginger

Bright red with the slightest touch of light brown, ginger hair is probably the first hair color that pops into mind when you think of redheads. This color looks especially beautiful with blue and green eyes and a face full of freckles.

Consider ginger hair...if you have fair skin.

Red Hair Color Idea #12: Red Velvet

Who doesn’t like cake? So, just imagine how much you’re going to love this dessert-inspired ‘do! If you’re getting this color at the salon, ask for a bluer red to help avoid an orange finish.

Red Hair Color Idea #13: Crimson

If you want to take the deepest dive into red hair color, follow in your favorite mermaid’s steps and opt for this true red shade. Before you know it, your striking mane will be the center of attention.

Consider crimson hair...regardless of your skin tone.

YOU’VE COLORED YOUR HAIR RED. NOW WHAT?

Once you’ve colored your hair a shade of red, it’s time to make a few changes to your hair care routine. Color-treated hair requires special care, so follow our tips below to show your mane some much-needed love.

Color-Treated Hair Tip #1: Use a System of Products Formulated for Color-Treated Hair

Color-Treated Hair Tip #2: Turn Down the Heat in the Shower

Hot water can strip your hair (and skin!) of essential oils, so turn down the dial and rinse off in lukewarm water instead the next time you take a shower.

Color-Treated Hair Tip #3: Embrace Your Natural Texture

Red hair looks gorgeous whether it’s smooth or sleek or textured with waves and curls. If you’d like to spend less time on your hairstyling routine, we’re all for air drying your strands. Help enhance your hair’s shape with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray. Spritz the spray to towel-dried hair then go about your day!

Color-treated hair tip #5: Temporarily hide gray roots

No time for a touch-up? No problem! Temporarily disguise gray roots with the L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover Up, which is available in a red shade. Spray the color onto new growth and partly though the length of your hair to blend in the color.

Color-treated hair tip #6: Get a trim

When you color your hair red, you’re bound to draw attention, as every shade in the red family is pretty eye-catching. So, help keep your mane in tip-top condition by visiting your stylist for regular trims. Lobs, bobs, and pixies are super-popular these days, so this may even be the perfect time for you to take a new style, as well as a color, for a spin.

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